Rebel forces loyal to renegade Commander George Athor occupied yesterday the town of Fomm, also known as Fangak, in Jonglei state near the border with Upper Nile.
Local sources told SCR news that the militias occupied the town after forcing civilians to leave the place.GoSS spokesperson Barnaba Marial Benjamin confirmed the occupation this morning over the phone and said the SPLA attacked the rebels during the night to flash them of town.
The two forces are still engaged in heavy fighting.
The attack came as a surprise since in January Mr. Athor’s officers signed a ceasefire with the SPLA in Malakal amidst great celebrations.
Dr. Marial accused Mr. Athor of using the ceasefire to recruit support.
Mr. Athor rebelled against the government of South Sudan after he run for Jonglei’s governorship and lost the race to incumbent Kuol Manyang Juuk.